Future is Bright for F-16 Fighter, LM sees 100-200 Sales

Lockheed Martin , SINGAPORE: Continued orders and the infusion of advanced technologies in the Lockheed Martin F-16, particularly in the Block 52 and Block 60 variants, keep the F-16 Fighting Falcon the multirole tactical fighter of choice for nations around the world. Lockheed Martin is highlighting the F-16 this week at the Asian Aerospace air show, the region's foremost aerospace and defense technology exhibition. 
 
“The F-16 is known as the world's most capable, supportable, affordable, interoperable and proven multirole fighter available today,” said June Shrewsbury, Lockheed Martin vice president for F-16 programs. “The program has evolved to meet the growing demands of our customers and continues to employ the latest technologies making it viable for many years to come.” 
 
Currently, the company is delivering two advanced versions of the F-16 and has firm deliveries scheduled through 2009. “We also see the potential for 100-200 additional F-16 sales over the next few years,” said Shrewsbury. “The F-16 has a bright future and continues to provide great value and capability to our customers.” 
 
Most recently — in December — Greece announced its decision to purchase 30 new F-16C/D aircraft with an option for 10 more. This purchase represents the 50th repeat order from an existing F-16 customer. “Repeat orders are a clear indicator of customer satisfaction,” said Shrewsbury. 
 
Aircraft now being produced for Chile, Oman, Poland, Israel and Greece are the Advanced Block 50/52 F-16C single-seat configuration and the F-16D two- seat configuration. The United Arab Emirates was the launch customer for the Block 60 F-16 version, which is also produced in single-seat (F-16E) and two- seat (F-16F) configurations. Known as Desert Falcon, the Block 60 aircraft is the latest and most advanced version of the F-16. 
 
Shrewsbury said Lockheed Martin is also committed to the modification and sustainment of the worldwide F-16 fleet over its service life. “The F-16 has a proven worldwide support infrastructure that includes a logistics network operating from air bases around the world. With its robust sustainment and upgrade options, the F-16 will be in service for at least 40 more years, making its supportability very reliable and cost effective.” 
 
In addition to sharing technologies with the F-22 and F-35, the world's only 5th Generation fighters, the F-16 offers a variety of solutions to meet customers' economic, technical and industrial needs with an unrivaled record in meeting and exceeding industrial participation commitments, said Shrewsbury. 
 
“For over 25 years, the F-16 has represented the largest and most successful industrial cooperation production programs in the world with the development and implementation of industrial cooperation programs tailored to meet customers' needs. Production lines have been operated successfully in five countries, including Korea,” said Shrewsbury. “We understand that the F-16 is about more than the airplane, it's about meeting the needs and requirements of our customers at all levels.”  
 
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 135,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2005 sales of $37.2 billion.